Social history of Aotearoa - New Zealand

NZ Students Protest and Occupy over Tertiary Cuts

By Kyle Matthews,
Otago University Students Association
16 September 1996

New Zealand Students have been steadily building up throughout the past two years to the upcoming general election on October 12th. Years of underfunding, compunded by years of cutbacks in funding to tertiary institutions have caused poverty and hardship for students, and have left them facing years of debt for their education.

Students have consistently protested against the government's funding policy, and have received considerable public support for their stand.

Stories of two protest are now available on web sites. In early July, students from across the country travelled to the capital to protest and raise public awareness about govt policy. The story of the "bus trip" is available at: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/2493

Then in mid-August, students from Otago University occupied their administration building for one week, as their university went through their fees setting, and negotiation over staff pay processes. In what has been recognised as the most successful student protest in New Zealand's history, they faced trespass notices, massive media attention, and unprecedented public support, overcoming threats of eviction and achieving a major victory in the buildup to the crucial election. The story of the occupation is available at: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/2618

Both articles have photos association with them. For those people without WWW access, the stories are available via email from myself.

Thankyou

Kyle Matthews
Otago University Students Association General Executive